Edited by Liam Huggins - Fitness Blogger

Bodybuilding has long been a stage where athletes push the limits of what the human body can achieve, and female bodybuilders have played a huge part in transforming the sport into a global sensation. These powerful women have redefined strength, resilience, and determination, inspiring people worldwide to take their fitness to the next level, I decided to compile a list of the top female bodybuilders to celebrate their efforts!

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From iconic pioneers who broke new ground in the 1980s to modern champions dominating today's competitions, the best female bodybuilders on my list have shaped the sport with their unparalleled dedication and unforgettable physiques.

I chose these individuals because each of these body builder women has contributed to the evolution of the sport, inspiring new generations of athletes with their performances on the biggest stages.

Whether you're a bodybuilding enthusiast or simply intrigued by the sport’s evolution, join me as we explore the 15 top female bodybuilders of all time – women who have shattered stereotypes, overcome immense challenges, and inspired generations.

Are you ready to meet the legends who took female bodybuilding to new heights?

Let’s dive in and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes.

What Makes a Female Bodybuilder One of the Best Ever?

I found out that becoming one of the best female bodybuilders isn’t just about lifting the heaviest weights or having the biggest muscles - it's about embodying a relentless drive for excellence that goes beyond the gym. The top female bodybuilders possess a combination of physical prowess, mental toughness, and unshakable determination that sets them apart.

Here’s what truly defines the greatest:

• Dominating the competition : The best women bodybuilders have a track record of success on the world’s biggest stages, like Ms. Olympia and Rising Phoenix . They consistently outperform their rivals, showing up with unmatched muscularity, conditioning, and symmetry.
  
  
• Inspiring the masses : These athletes aren't just competitors; they’re trailblazers. Many have used their platforms to change perceptions, proving that strength, beauty, and femininity can coexist in extraordinary ways. They’ve inspired countless women to embrace their strength and pursue their own fitness journeys.

• A key part of their success I noticed lies in optimising both their training and nutrition . Female bodybuilders often rely on the best supplements for muscle growth to enhance their performance and recovery. With the right supplementation, athletes can maximise muscle development and maintain peak conditioning , following the same strategies that have helped the best female bodybuilders rise to the top of the sport.
  
  
• Longevity and consistency : To be a true legend in bodybuilding, it’s not enough to win once . The best female bodybuilders have dominated for years, evolving with the sport and staying at the top of their game, even as new challengers rise.

Whether they’re redefining what the female body can achieve or pushing themselves to new heights year after year, these women have left an indelible mark on the world of bodybuilding.

List of 15 Best Women Bodybuilders Ever (Updated 2024)

These selections I have made highlight the most influential women bodybuilders in history, based on their competition achievements and contributions to the sport.

Lenda Murray (USA)

Lenda Murray is an 8-time Ms. Olympia winner (1990-1995, 2002-2003), known for her impeccable symmetry and dominance throughout the 1990s. Her balanced physique, with wide shoulders and a small waist, set a standard that has influenced the sport for decades. Beyond her competitive success, she continues to be an ambassador for bodybuilding , promoting health, fitness, and strength for female bodybuilders of all ages.

Iris Kyle (USA)

Iris Kyle is a legend in bodybuilding with an unparalleled 10 Ms. Olympia titles (2004-2014). Known for her unmatched muscularity and razor-sharp conditioning, Kyle’s physique was both powerful and refined, making her the biggest woman bodybuilder in history . Despite retiring, her influence continues through her coaching and mentorship of the next generation of women bodybuilders.

Cory Everson (USA)

A 6-time Ms. Olympia winner (1984-1989), Cory Everson is celebrated as one of the best female bodybuilders of her time and a true pioneer in women’s bodybuilding. Her physique was a perfect blend of muscle and femininity, which helped elevate the visibility of female bodybuilding in its early years. Cory went on to star in fitness and action films , using her fame to promote the benefits of strength training and healthy living.

Rachel McLish (USA)

Rachel McLish became the first-ever Ms. Olympia winner in 1980 and helped popularise women’s bodybuilding as a legitimate sport. Her athletic yet feminine physique appealed to a broad audience, and she became a mainstream fitness icon, starring in movies and authoring several books on fitness and health. McLish’s contributions helped bridge the gap between general fitness and bodybuilder women .

Kim Chizevsky (USA)

A 4-time Ms. Olympia champion (1996-1999), Kim Chizevsky shifted the focus of female bodybuilders toward greater muscularity and size. Her unprecedented size and definition made her a standout, marking a turning point in the sport’s history. After her competitive career, Kim successfully transitioned into fitness and figure competitions, proving her versatility as an athlete.

Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia (Venezuela)

Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia , a 1-time Ms. Olympia and 5-time Ms. International champion , is renowned for being one of the most successful women bodybuilders of all time. Known for her impressive mass and stage presence, Yaxeni’s long career and consistency have made her a respected figure in bodybuilding. Even in her 50s, she remains active in promoting fitness and bodybuilding worldwide.

Alina Popa (Romania)

Alina Popa is a 2-time Rising Phoenix World Champion (2018, 2019), known for her classic and symmetrical physique. Despite battling injuries throughout her career, Popa’s determination and relentless work ethic earned her recognition as one of the top female bodybuilders of modern times. She now shares her expertise as a coach and commentator for bodybuilding competitions.

Andrea Shaw (USA)

Currently the reigning Ms. Olympia , Andrea Shaw has won the title three times (2020-2022), leading the new generation of female bodybuilders with her perfect blend of size, symmetry, and aesthetics. She continues to dominate the sport, setting new benchmarks in conditioning and presentation. Shaw is also a role model , advocating for mental and physical wellness alongside her athletic success.

To maintain her impressive physique and performance, like many elite athletes, Shaw likely focuses on the best amino acids for muscle growth to support recovery and muscle development . These essential nutrients play a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, optimising recovery, and ensuring that top bodybuilders like Andrea stay at their peak for every competition.

Anja Langer (Germany)

Anja Langer , known for her runner-up finish at the 1988 Ms. Olympia, was admired for her classic aesthetics and balanced physique. Her physique was highly praised for its beauty and symmetry, making her one of the most admired body builder women of her time. After retiring, she authored books on fitness and wellness, further influencing the sport beyond her competition days.

Helle Trevino (Denmark)

Helle Trevino is a 2-time Rising Phoenix World Champion (2017, 2019), known for her extreme muscularity and unmatched conditioning. With her powerful physique, she remains one of the best female bodybuilders in the modern era. Trevino’s resilience is evident, as she’s overcome numerous injuries to maintain her place as one of the top competitors on the scene.

Juliette Bergmann (Netherlands)

Juliette Bergmann won the 2001 Ms. Olympia after a hiatus from competition, returning with a stunning combination of muscularity and elegance. Her comeback victory is considered one of the greatest in the sport’s history, solidifying her place among the best female bodybuilders. Bergmann remains active within the bodybuilding community, serving as a judge and promoter for international competitions.

Betty Pariso (USA)

Betty Pariso holds the distinction of being the longest-competing female bodybuilder, competing well into her 50s. Known for her incredible muscularity and longevity in the sport, she competed in both the Ms. Olympia and Ms. International , showcasing the possibilities of maintaining strength and muscle well into middle age.

Bev Francis (Australia)

Bev Francis was a trailblazer for extreme muscularity in women’s bodybuilding during the 1980s. Originally a powerlifter, she transitioned to bodybuilding and became known for her dense, muscular build, which was ahead of its time. Her legacy lives on through the Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym , a well-known destination for elite female bodybuilders.

Nikki Fuller (USA)

Nikki Fuller rose to fame in the early 1990s, known for her impressive mass and muscularity. She was one of the most well-known women bodybuilders of her time, appearing in TV shows and commercials, helping to bring female bodybuilding into the mainstream . Fuller’s physique was often admired for her combination of mass and definition.

Debi Laszewski (USA)

A consistent top-5 finisher at Ms. Olympia during the 2010s , Debi Laszewski is known for her muscularity and flawless conditioning. She was a fan favourite for her posing routines, which highlighted her hard-earned physique. Laszewski remains involved in the sport, helping to mentor younger body builder women and promote women’s bodybuilding globally.

Best Female Bodybuilders Still Active in 2024

As the world of bodybuilding continues to evolve, several female bodybuilders remain at the top of their game, pushing the boundaries of strength, symmetry, and performance. These athletes are not only competing but dominating in the modern era , showcasing why they are among the best female bodybuilders still active today. Their dedication and resilience have kept them at the forefront of the sport, inspiring the next generation of body builder women to follow in their footsteps.

Andrea Shaw (USA)

Currently the reigning Ms. Olympia, Andrea Shaw has won the title three times (2020-2022), leading the new generation of female bodybuilders with her perfect blend of size, symmetry, and aesthetics. Her training routine focuses heavily on building strength and balance, particularly in her upper body.

Shaw often includes an intense arm workout gym female routine that targets key muscle groups such as biceps and triceps to maintain the sculpted look that defines her championship-winning physique. As of 2024, Andrea continues to set new records, further cementing her legacy as one of the best female bodybuilders in the world.

Helle Trevino (Denmark)

Helle Trevino remains one of the most competitive athletes in women’s bodybuilding. Her recent performances at major competitions, including the Rising Phoenix, showcase her unmatched muscularity and flawless conditioning. In 2024, she continues to compete at the highest level , consistently finishing near the top among the best female bodybuilders in the sport.

Margie Martin (USA)

Margie “Marvelous” Martin is a crowd favourite , known for her impressive combination of mass and femininity. In 2024, Margie remains a top competitor in women’s bodybuilding, always a threat for podium finishes in prestigious competitions such as the Rising Phoenix World Championship. Her consistency and physique make her one of the best woman bodybuilders of the modern era.

Be Inspired by the Best Female Bodybuilders and Start Your Fitness Journey

These remarkable female bodybuilders I’ve compiled have not only redefined the limits of physical strength but also paved the way for future generations of women bodybuilders, inspirational individuals!

Their unwavering dedication, discipline, and ability to push through barriers are a true testament to the power and resilience that women bring to bodybuilding!

From breaking records to inspiring millions, these athletes have proven that strength comes in many forms , and their legacy continues to motivate the next wave of competitors.

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2026 UPDATE – How Female Bodybuilding is Continuing to Evolve – Here is What I Found

I wondered who the best female bodybuilders of all time were and after reading this fantastic article, I have my answer! However, since it was written in 2024, I wondered if there have been any changes to this list and how female bodybuilding has evolved since. Here is what I found!

I found that female bodybuilding has come a long way since this original list was created. As of 2026, the sport is now more diverse, accessible and visible than ever before! There are multiple competitive divisions allowing athletes to pursue physiques that reach their goals.

While traditional female bodybuilding remains number one for muscular development, newer emerging categories such as wellness, figure and women’s physique continue to attract more and more competitors worldwide. My research reflected that there has been an increase in women’s physique sports, particularly in these newer fields.

Table 1: Women’s bodybuilding categories in 2026

Division	Primary Focus
Bikini	Balanced, athletic physique
Wellness	Lower-body development and symmetry
Figure	Muscle definition and proportion
Women’s physique	Muscularity and athletic balance
Women’s bodybuilding	Maximum muscle mess and conditioning
Fit model	Athletic, healthy-looking physique

 

After finding out what emerging categories have become more popular, I wondered: what are the current female bodybuilding trends? Below is what I found!

Greater Social Media Influence

I found that across popular social media platforms, today’s leading female bodybuilders have built large followings, using their influence to educate, inspire and promote fitness to their audience. Digital platforms provide a fantastic opportunity to increasing visibility and success of female bodybuilders!

Increased Focus on Health and Longevity

Modern competitors are placing greater importance on sustainable training, recovery and long-term health. Other elements such as nutrition, sleep quality and evidence-based training have become increasingly important topics to ensure the health and well-being of female bodybuilders, overtraining and inadequate recovery can have some really bad effects!

More Opportunities for Female Athletes

I also came across that the competitive landscape is continuing to expand and major bodybuilding events are showcasing athletes across multiple women’s divisions! As a result, there are more opportunities for female competitors to find their category and reach their competitive ambitions!

So, I then thought who are among the top female bodybuilders today? Is there any newcomers to this list?

Table 2: Leading female bodybuilders in 2026.

Athlete	Division	Notable Achievement
Andrea Shaw	Women’s bodybuilding	Six consecutive Ms. Olympia titles
Angela Yeo	Women’s bodybuilding	Rising Pheonix World Champion
Ashley Lynette Jones	Women’s bodybuilding	2025 Ms. Olympia Runner-Up
Natalia Abraham Coelho	Women’s physique	Multiple Olympia victories
Leyvina Barros	Women’s bodybuilding	Emerging international contender

 

As we can see Andrea Shaw is still a very notable contender and is very well decorated! But there are some upcoming stars for the rest to watch out for!

So overall, female bodybuilding in 2026 is more diverse than ever, with more categories and visibility providing great opportunities for aspiring female bodybuilders! As the sport expands, the top athletes are not just recognised for their physique but also for their social media influence and advocacy for women’s sports, with the ability to inspire women to pursue their goals within women’s sports!

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